Web developers are responsible for the programming of websites. Given the popularity of websites in 2018, there is a need for web developers in virtually all large companies and industries. Even small companies will frequently hire a web development service or consultant to create and maintain their company website, as it is one of the most effective ways to reach new customers and maintain relationships with existing customers.

The actual salary will depend on the company that hires you, the location, and your previous experience. As an example, web developers in Seattle and San Francisco have higher median salaries, but those cities also tend to be 60-70% more expensive than the average American location.

In addition to a base salary, web developers hired by major companies can expect to be further compensated with standard benefits like health insurance, sick leave, and vacation. Some companies, in an effort to attract talented web developers, offer unique benefits that may include anything from gym memberships to flextime to stock options.

Beyond traditional companies, many web developers also find work as freelance consultants. While these jobs typically don’t offer the same level of benefits, it can be a great way to gain experience and improve your resume while you look for a full-time job. It also opens the doors for web developers who want to work remotely or are interested in a more flexible work schedule. There are specialty sites designed for web developers seeking freelance gigs, but it is even possible to find paid opportunities through general sites like Upwork and Fiverr.

In examining a future career, it is also important to look towards the future. The job outlook for web developers is very favorable, with this career growing at a much faster rate than other careers. If you look at e-commerce alone, the future growth potential is tremendous. While online shopping is growing quickly, it still only represented 9% of all retail shopping in America in 2017. This number is expected to reach 12% in two years and could even eclipse those predictions. All of that growth will be driven by websites programmed by web developers.

The future is very bright for web developers and the salary forecasts are generous. While some developers have 4-year computer science degrees, there are also less traditional routes to these jobs in 2018, including coding academies which offer web development training in a compressed and focused format. If earning a median salary of $68,000 is appealing to you and you are interested in being the one designing and programming the websites rather than just surfing the Internet, this may be an excellent career choice for you.